Jazz + Art At MOCA: Where Culture And Community Converge

MOCA's commitment to fostering a dynamic cultural exchange is evident in its upcoming events, blending the soulful notes of Jazz with thought-provoking exhibitions that amplify diverse voices and stories. Central to this month's offerings is South Florida’s longest-running free Outdoor Jazz Concert Series and one of the museum’s most beloved public programs, the eagerly anticipated JAZZ at MOCA, featuring The Heavy Weather Quartet July 26th and Gafieira Rio Miami August 30th.

The Heavy Weather Quartet
The Heavy Weather Quartet ensemble of talented musicians from Miami pays tribute to the iconic Jazz Fusion Band Weather Report, reinterpreting their classic repertoire with a fresh and innovative twist. Led by Jason Matthews, Digo Zambrano, and Armando Lopez, The Heavy Weather Quartet promises an evening of virtuosity and creativity that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Gafieira Rio Miami
Gafieira (Gah-fee-ay-rah) is a word from Brazilian Portuguese that means different things to different people. A music reference book says it's "a type of Samba, danced in pairs." But gafieira is also a low-rent hall or honky tonk where starting in the early 20th century, the predominantly Black underclass of Rio de Janeiro would go to enjoy live music, mainly Samba, and practice couples' dancing. In those days, musicians would perform Waltzes, Tangos, and Polkas at the White upper-class events and then would head to the gafieiras and let it roll.
Soon after the sound of the big bands, then popular in the United States, reached Brazil, the musicians in Rio began to make it Brazilian, combining Standard Brass and Horns with a Samba Rhythm Section. That became the sound of gafieira. Long gone, these places once offered great music and loose, unpretentious fun.

"For me, it's a cultural rescue of something we had in the 40’s and 50’s, "says Brazilian Latin GRAMMY Winner, Bassist, and Composer Diogo Brown, the Founder and Music Director of Gafieira Rio Miami.

Gafieira Rio Miami regularly sells out concerts in South Florida and will be touring around the U.S. in the coming year. The band's first music video, for the song "Nó Na Madeira," quickly gained over 10K views on YouTube just days after its release. The video caught the attention of The World, the nationally syndicated program on PRI, which did a feature on how a gafieira big band emerged from the Brazilian community in South Florida.

"Nothing like this band existed here in Miami — and I don't think it exists anywhere else outside Brazil," notes Gene De Souza, the Band's Manager and Executive Producer of the album. Look for Gafieira Rio Miami, August 30th at MOCA North Miami.

The allure of Jazz at MOCA lies not only in its musical prowess but also in its accessibility. The event is FREE and open to the public, underscoring MOCA's commitment to making art and culture accessible to everyone in the community. Seating begins at 7:00 p.m., with the concert kicking off at 8:00 p.m., promising an unforgettable night under the stars.

But MOCA's cultural offerings extend beyond music to encompass visual art that challenges and inspires. On July 26th, MOCA invites art enthusiasts and curious minds to a special Artist Reception honoring Germane Barnes and Christopher Mitchell. This exclusive event will be held in MOCA's Paradise Courtyard, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with the artists and their captivating works.

Germane Barnes, with his exhibit - Play-House - pays homage to the shotgun house architectural style, transforming it into a space for play and exploration as part of MOCA's ongoing - Welcome to the Paradise - series. Barnes' work invites visitors to reconsider the concept of home and community, blending historical resonance with contemporary vision.

Meanwhile, Christopher Mitchell's - Les Sirènes - brings Haitian mythology to life through larger-than-life mermaid sculptures that animate MOCA's plaza fountain. This installation, part of MOCA's - Art on the Plaza - initiative, bridges cultural narratives, inviting viewers to connect with the rich folklore of Haiti while contemplating themes of identity and tradition.

The Artist Reception will commence with a VIP Session from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by general public access from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance to secure their place at this exclusive event, which promises to be a highlight of Miami's cultural calendar.

MOCA North Miami owes its success and vitality to the generous support of its sponsors and partners, including the North Miami Mayor and Council, the Knight Foundation, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and numerous other contributors who recognize the museum's pivotal role in the community. Their unwavering support ensures that MOCA continues to thrive as a cultural epicenter, fostering creativity, dialogue, and cross-cultural understanding.

As MOCA North Miami continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to inspire, educate, and connect through the arts. Whether you're a Jazz Aficionado, an Art Enthusiast, or simply curious about the cultural pulse of North Miami, MOCA invites you to experience the magic of Jazz + Art this July. Join in the fun to celebrate creativity, community, and the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.

MOCA is located at 770 Northeast 125th Street, North Miami, Florida 33161, MOCA welcomes visitors to explore its galleries, engage in educational programs, and participate in events that celebrate the transformative power of art.

For more information on upcoming events and exhibitions, please visit: www.mocanomi.org. Or call: (305) 893-6211.